Soil pressure often causes basement walls to cave inward.

There are different levels of severity that call for different repair methods.  RaiseRite follows the standards set forth by WAFRP (Wisconsin Association of Foundation Repair Professionals). If a wall is bowed/tilted more than 1″ the exterior should be excavated and the wall should be pushed back into place.  A non-expansive material is then used as fill to prevent and future pressure from expansive soil.

If a wall is tilted/bowed less than 1″ reinforcement beams can simply be installed to prevent future movement.

These repairs are commonly done by installing beams that attach to the floor joists to hold the wall in place.  If there is not bracing available to install beams with helical piers may be used.  RaiseRite will prevent your wall from failing by first removing the soil from behind the wall, then drilling a hole and inserting a helical tieback anchor. The helical tieback anchor works like a screw so it won’t move once it is embedded in the ground. Once a helical tieback anchor is attached, it is safe to return the wall to its original position.  The excavated area is then filled, and because the tieback anchor applies a reaction force to the soil pressure, the foundation repair is complete.

This technical drawing demonstrates the pressure affecting the structure and how helical piers and beams can straighten the wall. Bulging walls, vertical cracks that appear on stair steps and vertical and horizontal cracks in foundations are signs of basement wall problems. Don’t wait until it is too late!